TWI413540B - Golf bag and base for a golf bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf bag is disclosed that includes base formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer foam material. The base is formed as a one-piece element, and the base may be flexible such that the golf bag is supportable in an upright position or an inclined position. A flexion line may be formed in the base to promote flexing or pivoting in a specific area, and wear elements may be added to an exterior surface of the base to impart wear-resistance.

Description

Golf bag and base for golf bag Field of invention

The invention relates to a bag or other device that carries a golf club. The invention is more specifically related to a golf bag having a flexible base formed as an integral component. The base is used with a support assembly to support the golf bag in an inclined position for use in a golf bag. The base can also be applied to golf bags that are not combined with a support assembly.

Background of the invention

The origin of the official competition of golf, one of the oldest international sports, originated from the 16th century Royal Golf Club in Scotland. During the centuries, due to the fixed events, respected reputation and its characteristics for relaxation, the golf game has acquired and maintained a certain participation population. As the number of people participating in golf tournaments has grown, manufacturers of golf equipment including golf clubs, balls and footwear have gradually improved various characteristics and characteristics of golf equipment. Thus, golf equipment has evolved over time to provide better performance and provide a wider range of playing styles and styles through the many advances in structure and materials utilized in golf equipment.

Advances in golf technology have also been applied to golf bags, which originally contained only a simple, hollow body and a harness. Golf clubs and other golf equipment are stored in the body and the harness is used to carry the golf bag and equipment near the golf course. However, modern golf bags are designed to organize golf equipment more efficiently and provide a comfortable method of carrying golf equipment. In addition, many modern golf bags, particularly carrying bags, allow the golf bag to be placed on the ground in an upright position or an inclined position as described in detail below.

At the time of the golf game, the individual has to repeatedly carry a golf bag from one location to another, and a golf bag needs to be placed on the ground of each location. Traditional golf courses include many types of areas, such as gentle hills, various grassland areas, bunkers and waterways. Therefore, in many locations, the golf bag may be placed on the ground in an uneven, unstable or inclined area, and the golf bag may not be stably maintained in an upright position without other supports. . Many golf bags contain additional support assemblies for better stability. No. 5,829,719 to Ran discloses a golf bag having a support assembly having a pair of feet, an actuator and a pivoting plate. The foot is mechanically coupled to the actuator. By extending the foot outwardly from the body of the golf bag, the plate pivots upwardly to switch the golf bag to an inclined position, wherein the weight of the golf bag is supported by the foot and the plate . A similar golf bag structure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,062,383, in which a portion of the base member is pivoted in place of the pivoting plate. A golf bag having a support assembly having a pair of feet, an actuator, and a base is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,386,362. The base includes a front end portion and a rear end portion that are distinguished by a flexible material that allows the front end portion to pivot upward relative to the rear end portion.

Summary of invention

The present invention is a golf bag having a body and a base. The system is substantially hollow and the body includes a first end for receiving a golf ball device and an opposite second end. The base is secured to the second end of the body and includes a body member extending substantially around the lower end of the body and forming a support surface that contacts the ground.

In one aspect of the invention, the base can define a curved line such that the first portion of the base can pivot relative to the second portion. The bend line can be an indentation in the base to increase its flexibility along the indentation. In addition, the side walls of the base and the support surface may also have less thickness to simultaneously facilitate pivoting of the first portion of the base relative to the second portion.

In another aspect of the invention, one or more wear members can be secured to an outer surface of the base, and the wear member can include a first wear member disposed on an opposite side of the base And a second wear component. In order to provide durability and wear resistance, the wear member may be formed of a rubber material.

The advantages and features of the novel features of the invention are clearly defined in the scope of the appended claims. For a fuller understanding of the present invention, the invention may be construed as

Simple illustration

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a golf bag having a base in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the golf bag.

Figure 2B is another cross-sectional view of the golf bag.

Figure 3 is a side view of a golf bag in an upright configuration.

Figure 4 is a side view of the golf bag in an inclined position.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the base in the unbent configuration corresponding to the upright configuration of the golf bag described in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the base in the curved configuration corresponding to the angled configuration of the golf bag described in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a front view of the base.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the base.

Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the base.

Figure 11A is a first cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11A-11A in Figure 10.

Figure 11B is a second cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11B-11B in Figure 10.

Figure 11C is a third cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11C-11C in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of another base in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12.

Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12 taken along section line 14A-14A in Figure 13.

Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12 taken along section line 14B-14B in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of another golf ball in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

The following discussion and accompanying drawings disclose a golf bag 10 suitable for storing various different types of golf equipment, such as golf clubs and balls, and carrying golf equipment during the game of the golf ball. As shown in Figures 1-4, the main components of the golf bag 10 include a body 20, a support assembly 30 and a base 40. The body 20 provides a structure that is securely received and organizes the golf ball apparatus. Support assembly 30 and base 40 are secured to body 20 and interact to provide support and contact points between golf bag 10 and the ground. As will be described in greater detail below, the base 40 is formed to be one-piece element that is bendable to interact with the support assembly 30. While the structure of the base 40 is suitable for use in a golf bag that includes a structure similar to the support assembly 30, the base 40 can be applied to a wide variety of other golf bag types and configurations.

The body 20 is a hollow structure having an elongated and tubular shape to accommodate a golf club. A wide variety of textiles or other materials can be used to form the exterior of the body 20, and pockets can be formed therein to accommodate other types of golf equipment, including, for example, golf balls, tees, hand towels, and ball labels. A divider 21 is secured to the upper end of the body 20 and defines a plurality of apertures for passage to the interior of the body 20. When a user uses it, Gore The shaft of the club extends and passes through the holes along the length of the body 20, while the head of the golf club remains accessible and positioned outside of the golf bag 10. The divider 21, particularly the aperture defined by the divider 21, can be used to organize and avoid damage to the golf club. In this aspect, the separator 21 can be formed from a polymeric material and can have, for example, a foam and a woven outer sheath to provide a deformable and protective surface for contacting the golf club. The divider 21 can also be coupled to a divider (not depicted) extending between the lower end portion of the divider 21 and the base 40 to further separate the inner volume and separate the various golf balls in the body 20. Rod. In addition, a carrying strap (not depicted) can be secured to the exterior of the body 20 to assist in carrying the golf bag 10 and associated golf equipment.

A semi-rigid frame 22 extends between the divider 21 and the base 40 to provide a support structure that maintains the generally elongated and tubular structure of the body 20. As shown, the frame 22 has a single shaft structure that extends along one side of the body 20. The frame 22 is exposed to the outside in the upper end region of the golf bag 10, and the shaft forming frame 22 is curved to define a handle for assisting in carrying the golf bag 10 and providing a point for attaching the carrying belt . In the lower end region of the golf bag 10, the frame 22 extends into the material forming the exterior of the body 20. As shown in FIG. 2A, the lower end portion of the frame 22 is relatively straight and is fixed to the base 40. Further, as shown in Fig. 2B, the frame 22 may also have a curved portion in the lower end region to support the formation of the material elements of the pocket in the body 20 and to prevent collapse thereof. That is, the frame 22 can be bent along the vicinity of the exterior of the body 20, thereby providing a rigid structure that helps maintain the shape of the body 20. For example, the framework Suitable materials for 22 include a wide variety of polymeric materials, graphite, wood materials, fiberglass, and lightweight metals such as aluminum. In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame 22 can have a plurality of struts extending between the divider 21 and the base 40.

As a user moves around the golf course, the golf bag 10 and the golf equipment contained within the body 20 are carried from one location to another. At each location, the user may place the golf bag 10 on the ground when the user selects an appropriate golf club and hits the golf ball. If a particular location is approximately horizontal and provides a stable surface, the golf bag 10 will be placed on the ground in an upright position as shown in Figure 3, wherein the base 40 will be in the golf bag 10 forms the main point of contact between the ground and the ground. If a particular location is not approximately horizontal and does not provide a stable surface, the golf bag 10 will be placed on the ground in an inclined position as shown in Figure 4, wherein the support assembly 30 and base 40 Will work together to form a point of contact between the golf bag 10 and the ground.

The support assembly 30 includes a pair of feet 31, a pair of foot attachment points 32, an actuator 33, and a pair of actuator attachment points 34. The foot 31 is pivotally connected to the foot attachment point 32 and is fixed to the body 20, and the foot connection point may be integrally formed with the spacer 21 or independently formed as a truss connected to the body 20 adjacent to the spacer 21. . The upper half of the actuator 33 is attached to the actuator attachment point 34 and is secured to each of the legs 31 that are separated downwardly from the actuator attachment point 32. Actuator 33 extends downwardly along body 20 from each actuator connection point 34. A portion of the actuator 33 may extend through an outer sheath formed by the material of the body 20, and the lower end portion of the actuator 33 is fixed to the base as described below. Block 40. No. 6,386,362 to Cheng, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The support assembly 30 described above allows the golf bag 10 to be maintained in an upright position or in an inclined position. In the upright position depicted in Figure 3, the longitudinal axis 23 of the body 20 is substantially perpendicular to the ground, while the foot 31 is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the body 20, and the golf bag 10 is primarily positioned 40 on the base. Regarding the structure of the susceptor 40 in the upright position, the lower surface of the susceptor 40 substantially contacts the entire ground and is parallel thereto, and the susceptor 40 has the unbent structure described in FIG. . As depicted in FIG. 4, in the inclined position, the longitudinal axis 23 of the body 20 is disposed obliquely with respect to the ground, the foot 31 extends obliquely away from the body 20, and the golf bag 10 is placed on the base. On the ends of the seats 40 and 31. Regarding the structure of the base 40 in the inclined position, the rear side portion 41 of the base 40 is bent or pivoted relative to the front side portion 42, so that only the front side portion 42 is still as described in FIG. Will come into contact with the ground. Therefore, the base 40 is bent when the golf bag 10 is placed in the inclined position.

The manner in which the golf bag 10 is placed on the ground determines that the golf bag is maintained in the upright position 10 or in the inclined position. When the user wants to maintain the golf ball 10 in the upright position, the golf bag 10 will be placed on the ground such that the longitudinal axis 23 is perpendicular to the ground and substantially the entire lower surface of the base 40 is in contact. ground. This process ensures that the weight of the golf bag 10 and the golf equipment housed in the golf bag 10 is dispersed to place the golf bag 10 in an upright position. However, when it is necessary to set the golf bag 10 in the inclined position, the golf bag 10 may be disposed on the ground such that the golf bag 10 and the weight of the golf ball device are dispersed in the front side portion of the base 40 42. This process causes the body 20 to rotate forward, causing the rear side portion 41 to pivot relative to the front side portion 42. When the rear side portion 41 is pivoted, the actuator 33 generates a force that urges the foot 31 upward, thereby causing the foot 31 to rotate outward from the body 20. Therefore, rotating the body 20 forward causes the base 40 to bend and causes the foot 31 to rotate outward, which causes the golf bag 10 to be in the inclined position.

The structure of the golf bag 10 described above provides a structure that allows the golf bag 10 to be maintained on the ground in an upright position or an inclined position. The base 40 is framed to be bendable and causes a change from an upright position to an inclined position. More specifically, the base 40 provides the only point of contact with the ground when the golf bag 10 is in the upright position. However, when the golf bag 10 is in the tilted position, the base 40 is bent such that the rear side portion 41 pivots upward and the ends of the legs 31 contact the ground. Thus, the base 40 will cooperate with the support assembly 30 to support the golf bag 10 in an upright or inclined position.

As described in Figures 5-11C, the base 40 includes a contact member 50 and a plurality of connecting members 60a-60f. In general, the contact element 50 is formed from a flexible material, such as a polymeric foam, that extends substantially around the lower end of the body 20 and seals it, thereby preventing the golf ball apparatus from extending through the lower end. If the contact element 50 is formed from a polymeric foam, the connecting elements 60a-60f may reinforce or otherwise provide a durable region for securing the base 40 to the body 20 and the support assembly 30. Each contact element 50 and connecting elements 60a-60f will be discussed in detail below.

Contact element 50 includes a sidewall 51 and a support surface 52. The sidewalls are described as being integrally formed with the support surface 52, which enhances the durability of the base 40. However, in a further embodiment, the side wall 51 and the support surface 52 may be formed by separate elements and then joined together. The side wall 51 extends upwardly from the support surface 52 and the support surface 52 extends through the area defined by the side wall 51, thereby forming a generally concave structure. As described in the sectional view of Figs. 11A-11C, the upper end portion of the side wall 51 may have a smaller thickness relative to the lower end portion of the side wall 51. This lesser thickness can be used, for example, to compensate for the material thickness of the body 20 of the side wall 51 that extends and knits to the upper end portion of the side wall 51. The lower end portion of the side wall 51 is generally thicker than the upper end portion, but it may have a smaller thickness region 53 on each side, which is typically interposed between the rear side portion 41 and the front side portion 42. To cause the rear side portion 41 to bend or pivot relative to the front side portion 42. The upper end edge of the side wall 51 may have a planar structure or may be convex. Likewise, the outer surface of the side wall 51 can have the same appearance or can be highlighted for aesthetic or functional reasons. Thus, the particular configuration of the side wall 51 may vary significantly within the scope of the invention.

The support surface 52 will typically form the lower surface of the golf bag 10 and it will be placed in contact with the ground. The thickness of the support surface 52 and the side walls 51 are selected to cause the rear side portion 41 to flex or pivot relative to the front side portion 42. In general, the support surface 52 is located adjacent the front side and the rear side of the golf bag 10 having a greater thickness than the central portion. More specifically, the region 54 that forms the interface between the rear side portion 41 and the front side portion 42 has a smaller thickness than other regions of the support surface 52. The smaller thickness of the region 54 provides greater flexibility in the region 54 in other regions of the support surface 52 to facilitate flexing thereof. In addition to the lesser thickness, an indentation 55 is formed by the interface between the rear side portion 41 and the front side portion 42 extending through the support surface 52 thereby forming a deflection curve that also urges the rear side portion 41 relative to the front side portion. 42 pivots. The indentation 55 shown in this figure has an arcuate or semi-circular shape, but it can also be other shapes within the scope of the invention.

In addition to causing the back side portion 41 to flex or pivot relative to the front side portion 42, the thickness of the support surface 52 can also be selected to correct when the golf bag 10 is repeatedly used and placed on the ground, as would be expected Wear phenomenon. The support surface 52 may contact a variety of different ground surfaces including, for example, concrete, rocky ground, mud land, and grass. Thus, the entire thickness of the support surface 52 (especially the area where it may encounter the greatest degree of wear) may be, for example, between 5 and 10 mm. However, depending on the particular structure and material used for the contact element 50, the thickness may fall outside of this range.

The material forming the contact member 50 may be a polymeric foam formed by a conventional molding method in which a mold is used to produce a desired structure. In this aspect, the contact member 50 can be formed of a material comprising a polyurethane or an ethyl vinyl acetate foam. The appropriate hardness of the ethyl vinyl acetate foam may be, for example, in the range of 60-64 of the Asker C standard. These types of polymeric foaming systems are preferred over materials utilized in conventional golf bag bases which are typically formed from dense, non-foamed polymeric materials. The polymeric foamed material weakens the impact force and absorbs energy when the susceptor 40 contacts the ground. When the body 20 contains a full set of golf clubs and other golf equipment, the weight of the golf bag 10 may exceed 25 pounds. Therefore, when the golf bag 10 is placed on the ground, a considerable impact force may be generated. Therefore, the polymeric foamed material can be used to shock or reduce such impact forces, thereby protecting golf clubs and other golf equipment.

A further advantage of the polymeric foamed material is related to the stability and flexibility provided by the susceptor 40. A dense, non-foamed polymeric material in combination with many conventional golf bags having a relatively thin cross section. While conventional pedestal weights are light, the polymeric materials are generally non-flexible. However, the polymeric foam of the contact element 50 can produce sufficient stability while retaining flexibility. This flexible property is particularly suitable for the contact element 50 that will flex when the rear side portion 41 pivots relative to the front side portion 42. While the use of polymeric foams for contact elements 50 can provide advantages, many other materials, such as non-foamed polymers, can also be used to form contact elements 50.

The connecting elements 60a-60f may strengthen or otherwise provide a durable area for securing the base 40 to the body 20 and the support assembly 30. In addition to this, the connecting elements 60a-60f can provide additional stability or rigidity to the base 40. The connecting member 60a is provided inside the front side portion 42 and is provided with a connector between the actuator 33 and the base 40. As shown, the connecting member 60a has an approximately L-shaped configuration with one portion extending along the interior of the side wall 51 and the other portion extending along the interior of the support surface 52. The connecting member 60a also includes a connector that receives the lower end of the actuator 33 and secures the actuator 33 to the base 40. A plurality of rivets or adhesives, for example, can be used to secure the connecting element 60a to the contact element 50.

The connecting member 60b is disposed inside the back portion 41 and provides a connection between the frame 22 and the base 40. Like connection element 60, connection element 60b is described as having a generally L-shaped configuration with one portion extending along the interior of side wall 51 and another portion extending along the exterior of support surface 52. A rivet, for example, can extend through the connecting element 60b and the frame 22 to securely attach the frame 22 to the base 40. However, the connecting element 60a is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the contact element 50, and the connecting element 60b is disposed adjacent the outer surface. In order to provide a flat and smooth appearance on the face between the connecting element 60b and the contact element 50, an indentation for receiving the connecting element 60b may be formed in the contact element 50.

A portion of the material forming the body 20 can be secured to the base 40, for example by stitching or adhesive. However, as shown, it utilizes stitching. When the contact element 50 is formed from a polymeric foamed material, the yarn used to sew the material to the contact element 50 can ultimately be cut or drawn through the foamed material. Thus, in order to provide reinforcement, the connecting elements 60c and 60d extend at least partially around the upper side edge of the side wall 51. Although they may be formed using a single connecting element, the connecting elements 60c and 60d are spaced apart to assist in pivoting the rear side portion 41 relative to the front side portion 42.

The connecting elements 60e and 60f extend along the inner region of the support surface 52. The connecting elements 60e and 60f can each provide additional rigidity to the base 40. In addition, the connecting members 60e and 60f can strengthen the partition between the divider 21 and the base 40 to separate the various golf clubs. Located in the area of the base 40. The connecting member 60e is disposed in the front side portion 42, and the connecting member 60f is disposed in the rear side portion 41. This structure creates a space between the connecting members 60e and 60f to assist the base 40 to bend. In some embodiments of the invention, the connecting elements 60e and 60f may be omitted or reduced in size, particularly when there are no baffles.

A wide variety of materials are suitable for use with the joining elements 60a-60f, which include a variety of different polymers and metals. More specifically, the connecting members 60a-60f may be formed of a nylon, polypropylene or polyurethane material, or the connecting members 60a-60f may be assembled by a high flexibility modular number such as PEBAX manufactured by Atofina Corporation. An ether block amino compound is formed. The polyether block amino compound provides a number of properties which are advantageous for the present invention, including high impact resistance at low temperatures, little change in properties between temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius, for a variety of chemistries The resistance to decomposition of the drug and the low hysteresis in repeated deflections. Another suitable material for the connecting elements 60a-60f is a 23% glass reinforced polyether block amino compound and a nylon blend. Further, the connecting members 60a-60f may be formed of, for example, polybutylene terephthalate of HYTREL manufactured by E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. The composite material can also be used to enhance the strength of the joining elements 60a-60f by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the polymeric materials discussed above. A fabric material can also be utilized separately or with the connecting elements 60c and 60d.

The particular configuration of the susceptor 40 disclosed above provides a number of configurations for the pedestal that fall within the scope of the present invention. Referring to Figures 12-14B, another illustrated base 40' is illustrated. As described above, when the golf bag 10 is repeatedly utilized and placed on the ground, the base 40 may be worn. While the polymeric foamed material selected for susceptor 40 provides adequate wear resistance, it can provide additional wear resistance as shown by susceptor 40'. The main components of the base 40' are a contact element 50', connecting elements 60a'-60f', and a pair of wear elements 70a' and 70b'. The contact element 50' and the connecting element 60a'-60f' have the general structure of the contact element 50 and the connecting element 60a-60f. Thus, the contact element 50' is formed from a polymeric foamed material and includes a side wall 51' and a support surface 52'. The wear elements 70a' and 70b' are secured in areas where the support surface 52' will experience higher levels of wear. Portions of the wear elements 70a' and 70b' also extend over the side walls 51'.

The structure of the base 40', and in particular the material forming the contact element 50' and the wear elements 70a' and 70b', is similar to the base structure of a conventional article of a sports shoe. In general, the floor structure of the sports shoe includes a middle bottom plate and a bottom plate fixed to the lower surface of the middle bottom plate. The midsole is formed of a polymeric foam such as ethyl vinyl acetate or a polyurethane foam which reduces the impact force and absorbs energy as the bottom structure is compressed relative to the ground. The outer sole is formed from a rubber material, which is generally considered to be highly abrasion resistant and durable. Therefore, the outer bottom plate is placed in contact with the ground. Thus, the wear elements 70a' and 70b' can be placed in contact with the ground as compared to the base 40' and provide the wear resistant properties produced by the underside of conventional footwear. Thus, in contrast to the base 40, the wear element 70b' extends over the connecting element 60b'. The material forming the wear members 70a' and 70b' may be formed of a material containing a carbon black rubber compound. The wear elements 70a' and 70b' can be secured to the contact element 50' by a variety of conventional joining techniques using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

A base having the general construction of the base 40 and the base 40' can also be applied to other types of golf bags that do not include a support assembly. Referring to Fig. 15, a cart type golf bag 80 is shown. The golf bag 80 includes a body 81 and a base 82. The main component of the base 82 is a contact element 83, and the base 82 can include a plurality of wear elements 84 that are secured to the contact element 83. For example, as in the foregoing specific example, the contact member 83 may be formed of a polymeric foam such as ethyl vinyl acetate or a polyurethane foam, and the wear member 84 may be composed of a carbon black rubber compound. form. Therefore, the concept of forming a golf bag base using a polymeric foam having a wear member can be applied to many golf bag types.

The structure of the base 40 and the base 40' described above can be modified in many ways. For example, the side wall 51 may include a plurality of indentations that surround the upper surface of the side wall 51 and receive the material elements of the body 20. Thus, the material element can extend between the inner and outer surfaces of the side wall 51. The frame 22 is disclosed as a single shaft extending along the sides of the body 20, but may have a plurality of struts extending between the divider 21 and the base 40. Thus, within the pedestal 40, a plurality of slots can be molded to accept the plurality of struts. In some embodiments, an inner frame can extend adjacent the base 40 to provide additional stability. Additionally, the base 40 can add additional connecting elements to connect the partitions that separate the golf club shaft.

The invention has been described above with reference to a number of specific examples in the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is intended to provide a specific example of the various features and concepts of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications can be made in the specific examples described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

10. . . Golf bag

20. . . Ontology

30. . . Support assembly

40. . . Pedestal

twenty one. . . Separator

twenty two. . . frame

31. . . foot

32. . . Foot connection point

33. . . Actuator

34. . . Actuator connection point

40'. . . Pedestal

41. . . Rear side

42. . . Front side

50. . . Contact element

50'. . . Contact element

51. . . Side wall

51'. . . Side wall

52. . . Support surface

52'. . . Support surface

53. . . Smaller thickness area

54. . . Interface area

55. . . Indentation

60a-60f. . . Connecting element

60a'-60f'. . . Connecting element

70a', 70b'. . . Wear component

80. . . Trolley type golf bag

81. . . Ontology

82. . . Pedestal

83. . . Contact element

84. . . Wear component

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a golf bag having a base in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the golf bag.

Figure 2B is another cross-sectional view of the golf bag.

Figure 3 is a side view of a golf bag in an upright configuration.

Figure 4 is a side view of the golf bag in an inclined position.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the base in the unbent configuration corresponding to the upright configuration of the golf bag described in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the base in the curved configuration corresponding to the angled configuration of the golf bag described in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a front view of the base.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the base.

Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the base.

Figure 11A is a first cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11A-11A in Figure 10.

Figure 11B is a second cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11B-11B in Figure 10.

Figure 11C is a third cross-sectional view of the pedestal defined along section line 11C-11C in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of another base in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12.

Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12 taken along section line 14A-14A in Figure 13.

Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of the susceptor depicted in Figure 12 taken along section line 14B-14B in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of another golf ball in accordance with the present invention.

33. . . Actuator

50. . . Contact element

51. . . Side wall

52. . . Support surface

53. . . Smaller thickness area

55. . . Indentation

60a-60f. . . Connecting element

Claims (17)

A golf bag comprising: a substantially hollow body for receiving a golf ball apparatus; and a base secured to an end of the body, the base having a polymeric foamed material a foaming member formed, and the base has a first wear member and a second wear member fixed to an outer surface of the foam member, wherein the first wear member has a first profile, the second The wear member has a second contour that is different from the first contour, and wherein at least one of the first and second wear members is configured to contact the ground. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the foaming member is flexible, and a first portion of the foaming member is pivotable relative to a second portion of the foaming member. A golf bag according to claim 2, wherein one of the foaming elements forms a curved line that causes the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion. A golf bag according to claim 2, wherein the side wall of the base has a lesser thickness in a region on the interface of the first portion and the second portion of the base. A golf bag according to claim 2, wherein a support surface of the base has a lesser thickness in a region on the interface of the first portion and the second portion of the base. A golf bag as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a support assembly comprising a pair of feet that support the golf bag in an inclined position. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the polymer foaming material is selected from the group consisting of ethyl vinyl acetate and polyurethane foam. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wearing member is formed of a rubber material. A base for a golf bag, the base comprising: a foaming member formed of a polymeric foamed material; and a first wear member and a second wear member secured to the hair An outer surface of the bubble element, wherein the first wear element has a first profile, the second wear element has a second profile different from the first profile, and wherein at least one of the first and second wear elements The group is configured to contact the ground. A susceptor according to claim 9 wherein the foaming element is flexible. A susceptor according to claim 9 wherein a first portion of the foaming member is pivotable relative to a second portion of the foaming member. A susceptor according to claim 11, wherein one of the foaming elements forms a curved line that causes the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion. The susceptor of claim 9, wherein the polymer foaming material is selected from the group consisting of ethyl vinyl acetate and polyurethane foam. Groups, and the at least one wear element is formed from a rubber material. A golf bag according to claim 1, further comprising an L-shaped connector connected to the base. A golf bag according to claim 14 wherein the L-shaped connector includes a first portion extending along an interior of a side wall of the base and an interior extending along a support surface of the base the second part. The susceptor of claim 9, further comprising an L-shaped connector coupled to the foaming member. The susceptor of claim 16 wherein the L-shaped connector comprises a first portion extending along an interior of a sidewall of the foaming member and an internal extension along a support surface of the foaming member The second part.